What are the key steps in conducting an after-action review (AAR)?

What are the key steps in conducting an after-action review (AAR)?

• A. Hear, Think, Act, Reflect.
• B. Plan, Do, Check, Act.
• C. What happened, what went well, what could be improved, what will we change, and who is responsible for actions.
• D. Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve.

Answer: (C)

An after-action review focuses on turning experience into improvements. The key steps involve recounting what happened, identifying what went well, noting what could be improved, deciding what changes we will make, and assigning responsibility for those actions. This structure moves reflection into concrete, accountable follow-up, so lessons learned lead to real changes in future performance. The other options describe different process models—a learning cycle, a broader improvement loop, or a problem-solving framework—not the specific AAR flow that centers on actionable changes and accountability.

An after-action review focuses on turning experience into improvements. The key steps involve recounting what happened, identifying what went well, noting what could be improved, deciding what changes we will make, and assigning responsibility for those actions. This structure moves reflection into concrete, accountable follow-up, so lessons learned lead to real changes in future performance. The other options describe different process models—a learning cycle, a broader improvement loop, or a problem-solving framework—not the specific AAR flow that centers on actionable changes and accountability.